Truman Advances 35 Chief Petty Officers

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) command master chief announced the selection of 35 Sailors to advance to the rank of chief petty officer (CPO) Aug 8.

Prior to frocking, CPO selectees will be exposed to life inside the chief’s mess and the responsibility that comes with being a chief.

“They are required to take on a larger leadership role,” said Truman’s Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Clarence Frye. “I’m going to ask them to step outside their comfort zones and do things they might not have done before as a first class.”

The transition process is traditionally meant to instruct chief selectees on their new roles and help them learn to become the best chiefs possible.

Frye said CPO selectees will also complete the physical readiness test and their charge books before frocking.
In the past, the captain of the ship would take the most qualified Sailors and advance them to the rank of chief. At that time, the newly selected chiefs were required to meet with every chief on the boat and get advice from them.

“[The chiefs] would pass on their knowledge and sign the charge book,” explained Frye. “When the book was complete, they reported back to the captain.”

Although times have changed, CPO selectees still receive advice from chiefs in the mess and have their books signed.

Frye said chiefs serve a dual role as both technical experts and leaders. He said he expects CPO selectees to take this training and use it to lead their Sailors.

“I also expect them to rely on each other,” said Frye. “I’m confident they’ll continue being great leaders.”

The Navy is unique on the emphasis they place on the E-7 pay grade. Being selected as a chief is considered a status of excellence.

“We set the standards,” said Chief (Sel.) Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Robbie Smith, currently the reenlistment and extension supervisor for the personnel division of Truman’s administration department. “A chief petty officer is what everybody in the other services strives to be. We set excellence and we expect excellence.”

Smith added that becoming a chief was a dream of his since he was recalled from reserves in October of 2001.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.